Choosing Majors

Parents Forum
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<p>I'm not sure if this is the right thread to post this in, so let me know if it isn't! (It's my first time posting on cc.)</p>

<p>I'm a sophomore in college right now, currently in the process of transferring schools, and taking some classes at a community college in the interim. </p>

<p>Because I would be entering as a junior at the new University/college I get accepted to, for most schools, I have to apply directly for a major. And this is my problem.
I don't really know what I want to major in. I think one problem is that I am pretty good at, and interested in, a lot of different things--literally from music to physics. I want to work where I will be passionate about what I do, of coarse. At the same time, I want to make money when I graduate. And the fact that this will happen in 2-3 years, and I have no idea of where I will be, is leaving me really worried.</p>

<p>If anyone could offer some words of wisdom, I would appreciate it immensely!!!! I really don't have anyone to ask; my mom's a nurse, so I know a little about that. But she's horrible at giving advice lol, and I don't know if she knows much about nursing beyond her niche. My dad has been trained/working as a musician all his life (immigrant like my mom) , and never went to college. </p>

<p>About me:
I'm 19 years old.
Interests: They're too varied! I love theoretical physics, and have since I was little. Have studied it informally on my own. (Interestingly, I have never taken a physics course, but I looked through a practice final of an intro physics class and was able to answer pretty much every question.) Love history as well (but don't like writing essays for history classes.)
I love art, painting. I can play music professionally.
I took an economics class this semester and loved it! (Have been getting 99-100s on every test.)
Love business, subscribed to and read WSJ and Harvard Business Review. I also have a ton of business ideas, and love thinking up business models.
Love fashion. I'm such a fashion buff, and I've been told numerous times that I have pretty good taste too :)</p>

<p>I don't like writing, and would prefer to major in something where I could get ahead and (later on work) without having to write long essays. I guess I'm not very patient. I'd also rather be moving around than sitting and writing about something that I already know. This fact actually sparked my interest in math, and I've been doing pretty well in my calc II class, and like how I don't need to spend as much time studying/hw for that class as I might have to in a history class.</p>

<p>Work:
I'm thinking about majoring in Economics and Math. But I'm worried about not being able to get a great paying, interesting job after graduation. I don't have any connections at all, and finding an internship has been really difficult.</p>

<p>I am thinking about engineering or nursing, now as other options. If any of you are engineers or nurses (or economics majors), how would you describe the current job market? What could I expect to get on start? For engineering or econ, what kind of work work could I expect day to day? If I'd like a job that is more physically active, do either of these have such options? I would prefer to work somewhere where the work is challenging, and has a mix of analytical thinking and creativity. But salary probably matters more at this point. (I am planning on most likely getting an MBA later on.)</p>

<p>Again, if anyone can offer some words of wisdom, something from their experience, I would appreciate it immensely!!!!!!</p>

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<p>^^^Sorry about the length! Let me just add, that by great paying, I would like to ideally make $50,000+ on start.</p>

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<p>Applied math, economics, and statistics majors often have decent job prospects, mostly in finance.</p>

<p>Nursing is currently in high demand, although you should be aware of the nature of the job (work conditions in some places are bad enough that nurses join unions). Engineering is often good, but with considerable variation based on industry and economic cycles.</p>

<p><a href=“http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/internships-careers-employment/1121619-university-graduate-career-surveys.html[/url]”>http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/internships-careers-employment/1121619-university-graduate-career-surveys.html&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;

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<p>I recommend a book: “Top 10 College Majors for Your Personality Type”.
You should also visit the career guidance office at your current school, even a good CC will have tons of resources to get you pointed in the right direction. Great place to get internships, and in your case even job-shadowing might help.
Nursing is for people who want to take care of other people, don’t consider it if it is not in your heart.
Engineering - did you take any engineering courses to see if it appeals to you? Liking theoretical physics does not necessarily mean you would like engineering. Did you take any courses that would allow you to start as an engineering major in junior year? Sounds unlikely from what you are saying, so you would probably start out behind schedule in an engineering program.
If you are thinking of an MBA, then why wouldn’t you consider economics as a major?</p>